Special Education

Special education teachers work with students-from toddlers to those
in their early 20s-who have a variety of disabilities. Most special
education teachers are found at the elementary, middle, and secondary
school level. Special education teachers design and modify instruction
to meet a student's special needs. Teachers also work with students who
have other special instructional needs, including those who are gifted
and talented.

Teachers can have great impact on the social, personal, and
intellectual development of individuals. Their influence stems from a
love of learning; a talent for awakening students to new modes of
thinking; an understanding of the human development process; and
professional skills. Teachers must have the ability to communicate,
inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as
understand their educational and emotional needs. They also should be
organized, dependable, patient, and creative. A general description of
teacher work activities includes: planning courses; instructing
students; evaluating student performance; supervising student
activities; performing administrative duties; advising students;
interacting with faculty, parents, and employers; and keeping up with
developments in the field. Although certification is required for
public school teachers (k-12) in all 50 states, some states offer
alternative teacher certification programs to attract otherwise
qualified persons into the field. Aspiring teachers who need
certification may also enter programs that grant a master's degree in
education, as well as certification.

Related Career Titles:

Adapted Physical Education Teacher

Autism Center Manager/Teacher

Camp Director

Child Psychologist

Counselor

Creative Arts Therapist

Day-Care Center Owner/Operator

Educational Advocate

Special Education Teacher - Schools

Speech Pathologist

Employee Development Specialist

Employment Interviewer

Language/Audiologist

Librarian

Lobbyist

Occupational Therapist

Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Peace Corps/Vista Worker

Student Teacher Advisor

Teacher - Adult Education

Teacher of English as a Second Language

Physical Therapist

Professor, College/University

Recreational Therapist

Rehabilitation Counselor

Research Assistant

School Principal

School Psychologist

Social Worker

Teacher of the Hearing Impaired

Special Needs Teacher

Tutor

Special Needs may include but are not limited to the following:

ADD/ADHD

Autism

Brain Injury

Emotional/Behavioral Disorders

Hearing Impaired

LD

MDD

Visually Impaired

Academically Gifted

Related major skills:

Compassion

Understanding

Ability to plan

Help students develop emotionally

Interact with faculty, staff, parents

Patience

Accepting of differences

Variety of teaching techniques

Creativity

Work with students individually

Prepare students for life after graduation

Work in variety of settings

Communication with parents

Good communication skills

Knowledge of legal issues

Well organized

Work with students in groups

Adaptable and flexible

Technology skills

Enjoy challenges

SALARIES

Salaries range greatly from one occupation, position, and work
setting to another. According to the Summer 2008 NACE national salary
survey for Bachelor's Degree Candidates in Special Education, the
average salary was $34,546.